Springboard Center working to raise $2.7 million for expansion

Kathleen ThurberMidland Reporter-Telegram

Published 3:30 pm, Thursday, July 28, 2011

Photo: Cindeka Nealy/Reporter-Telegram

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Tim Baker, founder of the Springboard Center, announces in this July 28, 2011 file photo that the center will begin a fundraising project to raise $2.7 million for the construction of a new wing that will include six additional beds, office space, and an exercise and activities room. less

Tim Baker, founder of the Springboard Center, announces in this July 28, 2011 file photo that the center will begin a fundraising project to raise $2.7 million for the construction of a new wing that will ... more

Photo: Cindeka Nealy/Reporter-Telegram

Springboard Center working to raise $2.7 million for expansion

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With its facility at capacity and demand continuing to grow, the Springboard Center is working to expand.

Its founder and board members announced Thursday they hope to raise $2.7 million to build a new wing that will increase bed capacity from 18 to 24 at the chemical dependency treatment center.

"It's just a great part of the health care delivery system in Midland," said Tevis Herd, who will head the fundraising efforts. "It enables people in the area to have treatment at home and have family involved without having to travel and go long distances."

Since the nonprofit opened in 1999, founder Tim Baker said it's treated more than 6,000 people struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction.

The program started in a small downtown office and in 2009 was moved to its present location off North Big Spring Street where it's able to offer in-patient residential care that individuals previously had to travel out of the region for, Baker said.

The group raised about $3.5 million to build and open the center, and Herd said they're confident Midlanders will be supportive again.

"I think the people of Midland will be excited about wanting to help us build this," he said. "We want to tell our story and this is a good opportunity to do that."

The addition of six rooms will allow for clients going through detoxification to be separated from others receiving treatment at the facility, Board President Wallace Craig said.

That's particularly important because it allows the intensive care needed for that group to take place without the disruption of others going through what's typically a 30-day residential program, Baker said.

The expansion also will allow for additional office space to accommodate the staff of 30, Craig said.

Being planned for the space just west of the Springboard Center, the expansion will not require extra staff but should bring in more revenue because it will allow for additional patients, Baker said.

Insurance and private payments account for 60 to 70 percent of the center's revenue and contributions cover the remainder as they work to offer care to patients regardless of ability to pay up front, he said.

In addition to providing a place for patients referred from Midland Memorial Hospital and families locally, Baker said the center also has welcomed individuals from other parts of the U.S. In adding to the facility, he said, they only increase their ability to accept additional patients and continue growing the level of care.

"We can have a first-class facility here in Midland that rivals any of the nation treatment centers," Baker said.

Fundraising will begin in the coming weeks and will include solicitations from individuals as well as foundations, Herd said. Springboard Center staff and board members are working to break ground and complete the new wing by the close of 2012, Baker said.